Explore one of the USA's most popular parks

Within the 211,419-hectare Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explore the flora, fauna and folklore of this World Heritage Site. Step back in time by visiting one of 97 buildings preserved in five historic areas. In Cataloochee, for example, see 19th and 20th century wood-frame buildings, including churches, a school and houses, and learn about the 1,200 people who lived in the valley in 1910. Other historic buildings are in the Cades Cove, Oconaluftee and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail sections. Go to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak at 2,025 meters, to climb an observation tower and gaze at far-away vistas.

Tracing the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for the bluish haze that often shrouds the rolling mountains. The smoky coloring is caused by water vapor released from the dense, old growth forests that cover 95 percent of the park.

This is the USA's most visited National Park, the beauty of its ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture drawing travelers from all over the world. You can experience the diverse wildlife and the stunning scenery as you explore the 150 hiking trails found within the park’s boundaries, including a rugged, roughly 115-kilometer stretch of the Appalachian Trail.